Below are ideas and resources for how school leaders can leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to become more efficient and effective as they serve those around them. In addition to the ideas shared during the session, be sure to check out this Padlet of ideas shared by session attendees.
Gemini Gems and Copilot Agents
A Gemini Gem (Google) or a Copilot Agent (Microsoft) is essentially a custom-built, specialized version of the AI that you can "train" to be an expert in a specific area. Think of it as creating a dedicated teammate who already knows your brand voice, your project background, or your specific coaching style so you don’t have to repeat yourself every time you start a new chat. Unlike a standard AI chat where you might have to re-explain your goals, a Gem or Agent remembers its "mission" every time you open it. NOTE: Always use a Gemini or Copilot paid account with a data agreement if you are uploading any personally identifiable information (PII), as opposed to using a free account where the data is public and could be used to train the AI model. To ensure you're using a paid account, look for the shield in Gemini and the check mark in Copilot.
How to Create a Gemini Gem
How to Create a Copilot Agent
Want to see how it works? Visit the link or scan the QR code below to try a "Fast Food Calories Planner" Gem. Simply enter the name of a fast food restaurant and the Gem will suggest low-calorie menu items based on your restaurant choice.
Want to create this planner in a Gem or Agent for yourself?
Here are the instructions!
Here are the instructions!
Here are two infographics highlighting the difference between Gemini Chat and Gemini Gems. The first is geared for elementary teachers and the second for secondary teachers. Click on the images to download the infographics.
Elementary Teachers Edition
Secondary Teachers Edition
NotebookLM
Notebook LM is an AI-powered research and note-taking assistant designed to help you synthesize complex information with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Unlike standard chatbots, NotebookLM is "source-grounded," meaning its intelligence is strictly anchored to the documents, PDFs, YouTube transcripts, and web links you provide, virtually eliminating the risk of AI hallucinations. It can create podcast-style audio overviews, video overviews, infographics, flash cards, and more.
Canva Code
Canva Code allows anyone to build custom websites, widgets and mini-apps without writing a single line of code. By simply describing what you're looking to build in natural language—whether it’s an interactive pricing calculator, a custom countdown timer, or an engaging quiz—Canva Code will build it for you!
Use Gemini/Copilot/ChatGPT to create sample talking points for the potentially difficult parent conversations regarding student discipline.
Contacting parents about a student's less-than-desirable behavioral choices is no fun, and if you haven't had a lot of practice doing this, these can be challenging conversations. AI can help generate some sample talking points to help make these conversations a little less uncomfortable.
Contacting parents about a student's less-than-desirable behavioral choices is no fun, and if you haven't had a lot of practice doing this, these can be challenging conversations. AI can help generate some sample talking points to help make these conversations a little less uncomfortable.
Create a “Parent Phone Call Helper” NoteGemini Gem or Copilot Agent.
The teacher enters the behavioral concern, and the Gem/Agent generates a sample script that could be used for a parent phone call or email. A reminder that these would be suggested talking points -- teachers should use their discretion
The teacher enters the behavioral concern, and the Gem/Agent generates a sample script that could be used for a parent phone call or email. A reminder that these would be suggested talking points -- teachers should use their discretion
Use a Gemini Gem/Copilot Agent to generate responses to parents who have questions about Board Policy or teachers who have questions about the contract (referencing uploaded BP or contract documents).
Take your text documents and easily turn them into eye-catching and more accessible infographics that capture the main ideas of the text.
Take your text documents and easily turn them into eye-catching and more accessible infographics that capture the main ideas of the text.
Use Gemini/Copilot/ChatGPT to create sample scenarios (good and bad examples) for communicating and/or documenting behavioral concerns to parents (to be used in a staff meeting/training).
Need to train teachers on appropriate and inappropriate ways to document behavioral concerns? Use AI to generate sample scenarios that help highlight things to avoid (e.g., using other students' names, emotional language) and things to include (e.g., just the facts).
Need to train teachers on appropriate and inappropriate ways to document behavioral concerns? Use AI to generate sample scenarios that help highlight things to avoid (e.g., using other students' names, emotional language) and things to include (e.g., just the facts).
Use NotebookLM to generate video overviews or audio briefs of key documents (e.g., Monday Message).
You've already generated the text document to send to your staff. Why not convert it to different formats? Same content, additional formats to potentially engage more people.
You've already generated the text document to send to your staff. Why not convert it to different formats? Same content, additional formats to potentially engage more people.
- Example: Convert this Monday Message to this video overview.
Use NotebookLM or Gemini to generate infographics of key documents (e.g., program components, policy updates, Board Policies).
Take your text documents and easily turn them into eye-catching infographics that capture the main ideas of the text.
Take your text documents and easily turn them into eye-catching infographics that capture the main ideas of the text.
- Example: Convert this VAPA Program Components document into this infographic (created with NotebookLM) or this 80's retro-themed infographic (created with Gemini)
- Example: Convert these 5th grade essential Math standards into this infographic
- Example: Convert these 5th grade essential ELA standards into this infographic
Use Canva Code to create mobile-friendly websites (e.g., staff favorites, a staff directory, conversation/event tracker).
Want to convert a spreadsheet of your staff's favorite Starbucks drinks into an "app" on your phone? Need an easy way to keep track of conversations you have or events you encounter when you're out of the office? Canva Code is here to help! Simply have a conversation with Canva's AI agent, telling it exactly what you want, and it will build it for you!
Want to convert a spreadsheet of your staff's favorite Starbucks drinks into an "app" on your phone? Need an easy way to keep track of conversations you have or events you encounter when you're out of the office? Canva Code is here to help! Simply have a conversation with Canva's AI agent, telling it exactly what you want, and it will build it for you!
Use Gemini/Copilot (a “walled garden”) to upload a spreadsheet of student data to build elementary class rosters for the next school year.
Let AI share the load and help build your classes for the following school year. Provide it with a spreadsheet of student data and specific instructions on how you'd like the classes to be built (e.g., a balance of academic levels, behavioral needs, English Learners), and let AI save you hours of time! NOTE: It is essential that this kind of task be done using your district's Gemini or Copilot account (as opposed to a personal account), as this will ensure you are not uploading student data to an open AI system.
Let AI share the load and help build your classes for the following school year. Provide it with a spreadsheet of student data and specific instructions on how you'd like the classes to be built (e.g., a balance of academic levels, behavioral needs, English Learners), and let AI save you hours of time! NOTE: It is essential that this kind of task be done using your district's Gemini or Copilot account (as opposed to a personal account), as this will ensure you are not uploading student data to an open AI system.
Use NotebookLM to create video overviews, flash cards, study guides, infographics, and practice quizzes for students.
Want to help students study for an upcoming exam? Use NotebookLM to create video overviews, flash cards, study guides, and practice quizzes. Simply upload the content to be covered on the assessment and NotebookLM will create study tools for your students!
Want to help students study for an upcoming exam? Use NotebookLM to create video overviews, flash cards, study guides, and practice quizzes. Simply upload the content to be covered on the assessment and NotebookLM will create study tools for your students!
Use NotebookLM to create audio podcasts (StudyCasts) to help students study.
In addition to video reviews, NotebookLM can also create podcast-style audio reviews that students can listen to on the go. Simply upload the content (e.g., study guide or notes) and NotebookLM will create an audio file with two hosts engaging in conversation about the content.
In addition to video reviews, NotebookLM can also create podcast-style audio reviews that students can listen to on the go. Simply upload the content (e.g., study guide or notes) and NotebookLM will create an audio file with two hosts engaging in conversation about the content.
Use Gemini/Copilot to build station rotations, lessons/practice problems centered on student interests.
Need to put students into groups? Want some engaging practice problems tied to students' interests? Let AI do the heavy lifting!
Need to put students into groups? Want some engaging practice problems tied to students' interests? Let AI do the heavy lifting!
Language Translation in Canva
Use Canva to create images, docs, or presentations? Need to translate the text in those files into a different language to send home to families? No problem! With only a couple clicks/taps, Canva’s "Translate" feature can translate the text in your image, doc or presentation into over 100 different languages!
Use Canva to create images, docs, or presentations? Need to translate the text in those files into a different language to send home to families? No problem! With only a couple clicks/taps, Canva’s "Translate" feature can translate the text in your image, doc or presentation into over 100 different languages!
Live Language Translation in PowerPoint Online
When presenting in PowerPoint Online, you can make your presentation more accessible to those in the audience who do not speak English as their primary language. By using the "Present Live" feature, attendees can get live language translation on their phone or other mobile device…in 60 different languages! Great for ELAC and DELAC meetings!
When presenting in PowerPoint Online, you can make your presentation more accessible to those in the audience who do not speak English as their primary language. By using the "Present Live" feature, attendees can get live language translation on their phone or other mobile device…in 60 different languages! Great for ELAC and DELAC meetings!
Use NotebookLM to generate infographics of essential standards and other important documents that can be distributed at Back-to-School Night.
Take your text documents and easily turn them into eye-catching and more accessible infographics that capture the main ideas of the text.
Take your text documents and easily turn them into eye-catching and more accessible infographics that capture the main ideas of the text.
- Example: Convert these 5th grade Math essential standards into this infographic
- Example: Convert these 5th grade ELA essential standards into this infographic
Don't forget to check out this Padlet of ideas shared by session attendees!
